We began this blog in 2009 as a forum to discuss the ongoing Climate negotiations sponsored by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). While we serve as Official Observers of the Association of American Geographers, opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the authors and are not intended to represent the official position of the Association of American Geographers or of its membership.

Monday, December 6, 2010

The necessity of caution in unofficial side events

Tonight one of the unofficial side events was entitled “The Greenest Heroes Gala”. A number of delegates and NGO’s were represented at this event, which featured a multi-course vegan meal, illustrating to those present how food consumption plays a large part in climate change and commend those whom have been leaders in the fight against it . Among the 'heroes', present were Mary Richardson, first female President of Ireland as well as former president of Costa Rica José María Figueres. Robinson focused her brief speech on how climate change is disproportionately affecting the poor and is largely a result of decisions made by the wealthy. Perhaps a subtle jab at certain industrialized nations that still resist compromise. While on the surface this event appeared to be aimed at uniting all of the parties on a casual level, the underlying agenda was quasi religious and directed at the veganisation of the world to solve all of our climate woes. Indeed the hidden agenda is an ever-present risk that we must always be aware of and must not let it affect our policy-making decisions.